Virginia-based tattoo artist Charon Henning travels around the country in a vintage trailer with her husband, doing the Renaissance Faire and festival circuit and impressing the crowds by performing her signature stunt—the sword swallow.

Fewer than 100 people worldwide swallow swords, she says, comparing the sensation of cold metal in your esophagus to a piece of ice sliding down your throat. Her can-do spirit—which she passes on to others, including little kids, whenever she can—is totally inspiring:

Henning also walks on swords, broken glass, and nails, escapes from knotted ropes, and performs a stunt she calls "Human Blockhead."